BCBSNC to UHC

[CaptBud330]

I was reading the HUB and it stated the provider for Medical Insurance was being changed from BCNSNC to United Health Care. Being a retired employee, I called benefits to ask what changes I could expect with the new plan.
The answer I got?..... "I didn't know we were changing. Hmm, I guess I have to check on that"...."Thank you for calling US Airways Benefits". Just great, just great.

 

[zonecontroller]

I was reading the HUB and it stated the provider for Medical Insurance was being changed from BCNSNC to United Health Care. Being a retired employee, I called benefits to ask what changes I could expect with the new plan.
The answer I got?..... "I didn't know we were changing. Hmm, I guess I have to check on that"...."Thank you for calling US Airways Benefits". Just great, just great.

US Airways picks UnitedHealthcare
US Airways announced today that it has chosen UnitedHealthcare to provide health benefits to more than 35,000 of the airline's employees nationwide.

The airline has high concentrations of employees in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and the new benefit plan goes into effect Jan. 1, 2007.


"After a thorough review, we selected UnitedHealthcare based on its ability to provide a network of integrated services that can best meet the needs of our employees across the country," John Hedblom, vice president of human resources at US Airways, said in a prepared statement.

The recent merger of US Airways and America West created the fifth largest domestic airline in the country. UnitedHealthcare, based in Philadelphia, specializes in consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services.

 

[ChrisUS]

The airline has high concentrations of employees in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and the new benefit plan goes into effect Jan. 1, 2007.


"After a thorough review, we selected UnitedHealthcare based on its ability to provide a network of integrated services that can best meet the needs of our employees across the country," John Hedblom, vice president of human resources at US Airways, said in a prepared statement.

In other words, they were the low bidder.

 

[flyingcat]

In other words, they were the low bidder.

Hey at least the premiums are not going for up for east plans next year.

That is a miracle in this day and age.

 

[a320av8r]

Hey at least the premiums are not going for up for east plans next year.

That is a miracle in this day and age.

How do you know? I didn't read that.
UHC is the product of the lowest bidder.

 

[flyingcat]

From About US:
Q. Are there differences in what UHC covers versus what Blue Shield covers? Is UHC’s insurance more comprehensive? What about co-pays and deductibles?


A. UHC will deliver the plan designs we have in place today in both the East and the West. For most employees there will be no change in copays and deductibles (except West passenger service and directors and above who will have East plans).

 

[formeraa]

Remember that US (or any large company) ultimately decides what the co-pays and deductibles will be. UHC was the low bidder only in terms of administrative fees. All large companies are actually self-insured.

 

[xoxo]

Is this what west has already? If so,can anyone over at west give us some insight on what UHC includes in their benefits? Is there a way we can check on what they cover and don't cover, as far as medical? Thanks.

 

[Zarah]

Is this what west has already? If so,can anyone over at west give us some insight on what UHC includes in their benefits? Is there a way we can check on what they cover and don't cover, as far as medical? Thanks.

Is this them?

http://www.uhc.com

 

[a320av8r]

From About US:
Q. Are there differences in what UHC covers versus what Blue Shield covers? Is UHC’s insurance more comprehensive? What about co-pays and deductibles?
A. UHC will deliver the plan designs we have in place today in both the East and the West. For most employees there will be no change in copays and deductibles (except West passenger service and directors and above who will have East plans).

Co-pay's may not change but what about the premiums?

 

[barbeetantrums]

Is this what west has already? If so,can anyone over at west give us some insight on what UHC includes in their benefits? Is there a way we can check on what they cover and don't cover, as far as medical? Thanks.

They do include chiropractic care, which was a leap up from CIGNA, which had none. Not sure if that was covered in East insurance.

 

[PHX-F/A]

Is this what west has already? If so,can anyone over at west give us some insight on what UHC includes in their benefits? Is there a way we can check on what they cover and don't cover, as far as medical? Thanks.

I've been on the "Platinum" plan for years. It was originaly adminstered by Mayo Health Plan, and they switched to UHC about 4 or 5 years ago. The premiums have gone up every year because they have slowly moved employee groups off of it. Currenltly only F/As and Mechanics are on Platinum. The CBA's have benefit deminishment clauses.

I have never had problems with UHC. Now for every positive story, there's obviously 2 negatives. But the people I personaly know that have had problems, it was due to their not understanding how their insurance worked, or ignoring requirments.

Platinum is a HMO, and there is a PPO/HMO hybrid called choice and and full fledged PPO. The PPO costs as much as Platinum, but has higher out of pocket for major expences.

Sorry, I don't know of a web site to point you to that does not require an id and password. But the enrollment info should be out soon.

WORD OF CAUTION: every year there have been "printing" errors, so be sure to watch for revisions. If there is an online version of the info guide, use it because it's easier for them to update.

 

[xoxo]

Does anyone have any idea what the email addresses are for HR department? I am looking for Juan Ruiz HR manager or a benefits manager? I have looked all over the HUB..but cant find anything but a number. HELP!! Thanks.

 

[TheNewUSAirways]

Does anyone have any idea what the email addresses are for HR department? I am looking for Juan Ruiz HR manager or a benefits manager? I have looked all over the HUB..but cant find anything but a number. HELP!! Thanks.

It would probably be juan.ruiz@usairways.com

There might also be a benefits@usairways.com

 

[Dog Wonder]

Does anyone have any idea what the email addresses are for HR department? I am looking for Juan Ruiz HR manager or a benefits manager? I have looked all over the HUB..but cant find anything but a number. HELP!! Thanks.

No one works in HR. Every one there is collecting a paycheck but not coming to work.

If you don't believe me try to get them on the phone.